Winner: Accord Q-Edge Team

The team delivered the implementation of a change control software system across the whole business. With members from different departments, worked effectively including calming the anxiety of the staff nervous about the change. Key to this was the training they provided for all areas of the business. The saving to the business over three years will be around £1.5m.

Runner Up: SR Furniture

on retirement of their Production Manager, a team took on the work and grew together, achieving a better flow through the business from the combined individual understanding for the work. Team members has also taken on new responsibilities, with everyone in the business clearer on working efficiently with better direction.

Apprentice of the Year

Winner: David Harwood – Eaton Aerospace

David was the 1st Eaton apprentice for a long time, but there are now 12! In part based on the Co experience and impact. David always questions current practice, seeking improvements and also mentor younger apprentices. He runs the team when his supervisor is on leave, along with growing responsibilities; he is expected to complete his apprenticeship with flying colours.

Runner Up: Dominic Robson – Anglo Krempel

Dominic has shown amazing initiative, overcoming his initial shyness. He has shown dedication, teaching himself skills in this own time. He has a great attitude showing pure grit and determination.

Trainee of the Year

Winner: Thomas Beauchamp – Anglo Krempel

Thomas clearly went above and beyond, he learnt very quickly, picking up new skills with minimal training. Thomas shows an exceptionally positive attitude and keenness including working on projects in his own time.

Runner Up: Perry Ryan – Accord

Key achievements: Perry has showed great initiative, recommended some excellent improvements to how the site operates. Perry worked to identify a more efficient pumping approach that is capable of delivering 50% more water for site processes.

Engagement in STEM & Schools

Winner: SEA

SEA have increased their STEM presence, at co leadership and wider co level. They have run a variety of initiatives including well-structured and invaluable work experience placements. Plus, supporting STEM project like GO4SET

Runner Up: Eaton Aerospace

Eaton are a key player in STEM in schools locally, doing exceptional work with long term commitment.

Environmental Project of the Year

Winner: The Sign Maker

TSM have created wildlife ponds, a flower meadow; plus, completely changed the packaging that protects their products in transit from polystyrene and plastic tape to re-cyclable hard board, corrugated cardboard, Stirling board and paper tape.

Runner Up: Accord UK Ltd

Accord have replaced their site emergency lighting with a smart LED system to significantly reduce energy consumption and reduce annual cost both in terms of staff time and running costs

Innovation of the Year

Winner: Helitune Ltd

Development of their ‘multi-configuration’ rotor-tip trak for inflight monitoring of helicopter blades. This has allowed Helitune Ltd to take on previous designs by huge blue-chip multi-nationals, as their product is aircraft specific, however this product designed to identify different aircraft and now has gained a reputation in the market as the highest performing tool world-wide

Runner Up: Anglo Krempel

Anglo Krempel has invested in a centrifugal separating system to handle waste water and slurry from the grinding process. This has facilitated the ‘cleaned’ water to be re-circulated and has brought significant efficiencies to the disposal of waste and lowered environmental impact. Overall investment is projected to break even in under 2 years

Business Transformation of the Year

Winner: Perrigo

The removal of old liquid production lines and the converting of old rooms into MHRA standard clean rooms. The introduction of new equipment to produce tablet and capsule based products. This increased capacity by 25% along with further ongoing investment.

Runner Up: Anglo Krempel

Conversion of old rundown factory space into a modern environment that is more effective and better to work in. The result has been an increase in production by 30%. This was achieved with the involvement of operators.

Exporter of the Year

Winner: Pall Life Science

The scale of exports and % of the business the is represents. But there remains a drive for new markets including Australia and SE Asia. Like Anglo there is real clarity on challenges beyond the product e.g. security, working in different languages and cultures; plus, the different standards and regulations that apply across different international markets.

Runner Up: Anglo Krempel

Export growth has been transformative for the company with strong growth in US & EU. Real clarity on challenges beyond the product e.g. working in different time zones, languages and cultures with the related impact on ways of working including a Brexit focus.

Product of the Year

Winner: SEA

The miniaturisation of technology – by 75% (a cutting edge towed acoustic array) to widen the applicability e.g. use by smaller vessels. This is also linked to the growing field of marine autonomous vehicles. The results are increasing manufacturing performance, growing global sales, with the potential for strong future growth with a big impact on the company. Plus, the use of the technology for research.

Runner Up: Extreme Cases

Taking on larger market leading companies by making the cases smaller and lowering the weight, while maintaining or improving performance. This has been achieved through working with Hi-tech materials, meeting market need, plus innovation in promotion via social media and TV exposure.

Manufacturer of the Year

Winner: Accord UK Ltd

Responding positively to legislative changes affecting core products, while launch 6 x new products and planning for all Brexit scenarios. Also handling co integration via people and supply chain approach. Added to which CSR was not forgotten – helping set up a Devon Air Ambulance landing site.

Runner Up: TDK Lambda

Investments planned and managed to reduce time to market, plus continuing to innovate in the manufacturing process – in response to global market trends. While taking Brexit uncertainty in their stride. Plus supporting the SWIoT development and its ongoing delivery, now funding has been confirmed.

A raffle in aid of Over and Above – The Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust Charity took place at the end of the evening, with prizes donated by local businesses, raising £1915. Read more about the raffle and the charity HERE

Come along on 10th October for this opportunity for #businesses to have their say on what higher level #education and #training provision should be provided to meet the needs of #manufacturers in #NorthDevon.